CFRCCSD and CFR both supported the goal of getting the CCSD to trim expenses. Here’s just one example of how easy it would be to do:
I just submitted a letter to CCSD Director Muril Clift bringing to his attention significant immediate savings that can be realized in postage expenses. The CCSD mails ratepayer correspondence, such as the bi-monthly bills, at full first class rates (42 cents) from the Paso Robles PO. In addition, the mailings are contracted out to Accurate Mailing Service of Paso Robles. I’ve researched the issue with the Cambria PO and discovered that the CCSD qualifies for a reduced mailing rate of 29.3 cents per letter, or a savings of approx. $500 per bi-monthly billing cycle ($3000 per year). The costs involved in getting this rate are an initial $180 permit fee and an annual $180 permit renewal fee. Well worth the cost! Shouldn’t the CCSD staff, which has grown significantly during recent years, be able to mail the bills? If the workload crunch every two months is too much, why not split the mailing so that 1/2 of the ratepayers get a bi-monthly bill each month? Additional postage savings can be realized on all other CCSD mailings, such as the annual fire clearance notices and the CCSD newsletter.
Muril has agreed to look into the matter and get back to me. If he follows through, as I believe he will, I’ll let you all know the outcome. Hopefully asking the questions regarding cost containment will yield results. I must, however, ask the following question. Isn’t this the job of the CCSD Manager?
